Some networking events leave you with a handful of business cards. Others leave you with ideas. Fat Squirrel Outdoor‘s Campfire & Conversations left me with something much more valuable… a genuine sense of calm, connection, and renewed energy. I can’t recommend this experience highly enough.
∙ OUT OF THE OFFICE, INTO NATURE ∙ We gathered outdoors around a crackling campfire, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Being immersed in nature completely changes the atmosphere. There’s something incredibly grounding about fresh air, birdsong, open space, and the gentle warmth of a fire. It encourages people to slow down, be present, and simply enjoy talking to one another.
∙ BOOK YOUR TICKET TO THE CAMPFIRE CONVERSATION HERE ∙
∙ FAT SQUIRREL OUTDOOR ∙ Back in 2020, after many years on the corporate scene, Kate Drewett decided to put her own mental wellbeing first and created Fat Squirrel Outdoor. She set out to reimagine what it means to spend quality time together. Set set up shop in beautiful woodland locations in the Cotswolds, created experiences that would encourage people to step away from screens, slow down, and reconnect with both nature and one another.
Now, whether a relaxed networking around a campfire, campfire cooking, axe throwing, woodland adventures, or family gatherings, every experience is thoughtfully hosted with a focus on meaningful connection rather than rushing from one activity to the next. She has created something so special: a welcoming, inclusive space where fresh air, open fires, and good conversation take centre stage, proving that some of life’s best moments happen outdoors.
∙ HOSTED WITH GENUINE KINDNESS ∙ Campfire & Conversations is hosted by Kate at the Asthall location and Bev Morgan at Notgrove, and both create an atmosphere that is warm, welcoming, and effortlessly relaxed from the moment you arrive. They have a wonderful ability to put everyone at ease within minutes, gently encouraging conversations to develop naturally without ever making them feel forced. Their genuine kindness, enthusiasm, and inclusive approach set the tone for the entire experience, making every guest feel valued and part of something special.
∙ MORE THAN NETWORKING ∙ I had such a great time at Campfire & Conversations and it wasn’t simply that I’d enjoyed a networking event. I left feeling lighter, calmer, energised, and genuinely inspired. It reminded me of how good it is simply to slow down for a while. Sitting in the forest around a campfire, breathing fresh air, listening to birdsong, feeling the warmth of the flames, and embracing whatever the weather chose to bring created an experience that was both grounding and uplifting.
I left feeling like I’d done something genuinely good for both my business and my wellbeing. In a world where so much of our working lives happens indoors and online, Campfire & Conversations is a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful connections are made face-to-face, surrounded by nature, with time to slow down, be present, and simply enjoy being human.
∙ A VEGAN WELCOME THAT MEANT A LOT ∙ As a vegan, I often arrive at events expecting to quietly miss out on the treats everyone else is enjoying. Not here. I was genuinely touched to find that I had been completely catered for, with delicious vegan marshmallows and cookies so I could make proper s’mores over the campfire alongside everyone else.
It may sound like a small thing, but those thoughtful touches make people feel included, welcomed, and valued. It was clear that every guest had been considered, and that kindness ran through every part of the event.
∙ WORTH EVERY PENNY ∙ If you’re wondering whether it’s worth investing both the time and the money, my answer is a resounding YES. The value isn’t measured by how many people you meet. It’s measured by the quality of the conversations, the connections you build, the ideas you leave with, and the way you feel afterwards.
Did I mention the cost to take part is just £14?! No membership, no strings, just £14 and pay as you go. For me, the return on that investment was many times over. I’ll absolutely be back, and I’d encourage anyone who enjoys authentic conversations, beautiful surroundings, and networking that feels refreshingly different to experience Campfire & Conversations for themselves.
Sometimes the best business ideas don’t come to you when you’re front of your computer. Sometimes they happen around a campfire.
∙ BOOK YOUR TICKET TO THE CAMPFIRE CONVERSATION HERE ∙
